An unexpected I/O error has occurred. Error code: 0xc00000e9

Question

So, lets get this long story started. One time, a long time back in 2014 i downloaded a game containing a virus. I've had problems fixing that. I fixed that via installing new Windows 8.1 from Microsoft (no Acer, Asus e.t.c.) just Microsofts easy version of Windows 8.1. I've had my computer for 2- 3 weeks without any problems. But today when i was starting APB Reloaded it said (APB Reloaded does not respond so i had to restart my computer. Then i got to a menu telling me exactly this: Recovery - There was a problem with a device connected to your PC. An unexpected I/O error has occurred. Error code: 0xc00000e9. This problem can happen when a removeable storage device is removed while it's in usebor failing. Properly connecting any removeable storage and restarting your PC may fix this problem. Press enter to try again (which does not work) and Press F8 for Startup Settings (which dosen't work either) and i forgot to say what happen before the error screen. It says: Preparing Automatic Repair which fails and send me directly to fail screen. Either if i try to try again or trying to open Startup Settings it brings me back to the error screen. I need to disscuss this with people willing and knowing how to help me in this situation. P.S. I have taken out every connected device from my computer except for My Battery and Charger.

Original Title: Very big Windows 8.1 problems!

Answer 1

Hi Konard,

This error message: An unexpected I/O error has occurred. Status: (0Xc00000e9) is a hardware error pertaining to your system’s BIOS. Basically it is telling you that the computer is not able to reliably communicate with the hard drive. We can try a few steps and check if it works:

First, I would suggest you to disconnect all the external devices other than mouse and keyboard and check.

I suggest you to run the Automatic repair and check if it helps.

If you don’t have a Windows 8 DVD, you can refer to the article mentioned below to know how to create a bootable USB for Windows 8.

How to create installation media for a PC refresh or reset

http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-8/create-reset-refresh-media

I suggest you to change the first boot priority to DVD\USB if you are not able to get the boot menu when you insert a DVD\USB.

BIOS Disclaimer:

Modifying BIOS/ complementary metal oxide semiconductor (CMOS) settings incorrectly can cause serious problems that may prevent your computer from booting properly. Microsoft cannot guarantee that any problems resulting from the configuring of BIOS/CMOS settings can be solved. Modifications of the settings are at your own risk. 

Method 1: Perform an Automatic repair using Windows 8 bootable DVD or USB drive and check if that helps.

Follow these steps to perform Automatic repair

a)      Insert the installation DVD or USB and boot Windows 8 from it.

b)      In the ‘Windows setup’ page select the ‘Language to install’, ‘Time and currency format’ and the ‘keyboard or input method’ and click on ‘next’.

c)       Click on ‘Repair your computer’ and select ‘Troubleshoot’.

d)      Click on ‘Advanced options’ and select ‘Automatic Repair’ and select the operating system.

Method 2: If the issue persists, I would suggest you to try booting the computer in Safe mode and check.

Follow these steps to boot the computer in safe mode.

Step 1: Safe Mode with DVD

Let’s boot from the Windows 8 DVD and login in Safe Mode.

a)      Boot from Windows 8 DVD.

b)      After you see a Choose an Option, click on ‘Troubleshoot’.

c)       Now click on ‘Advanced Options’ and then on ‘Windows Startup Settings’.

d)      Use your arrow keys to go to ‘Safe Mode’ and hit Enter.

If you are able to boot into safe mode, try performing a clean boot.

Step 2: Perform Clean Boot.

To help troubleshoot error messages and other issues, you can start Windows 8 by using a minimal set of drivers and startup programs. This kind of startup is known as a "clean boot." A clean boot helps eliminate software conflicts.

**http://support.microsoft.com/kb/929135**

Important: Reset the computer to start to normal startup.

Note: After you have finished troubleshooting, follow these steps to boot to normal startup.

a)      Press the ‘Windows + R’ key on the keyboard.

b)      In the ‘Run’ window type ’MSCONFIG’ and click ‘Ok’.

c)       On the ‘General’ tab, click the ‘Normal Startup’ option, and then click ‘OK’.

d)      When you are prompted to restart the computer, click ‘Restart’.

Hope this helps.

Please post back with the status of the issue and we will be glad to assist you further.

Answer 2

Thank you man! You've saved my computer ;)

Answer 3

You could also restore from your last good system image/backup.

Answer 4

Yes i have, but do you mean i should install over Windows all over again? Thats should be very much work for me later while done.

Answer 5

Have the installation media (DVD, USB stick, etc.) and product key (serial number) you used to install Windows 8 with handy?